Ripple Marks

Evidence of an ancient river are all over the Monument, most notably in the form of ripple marks

J. Borden

Quick Facts

Location:

North side of the trail on the stairs between the main path and the Nicollet Marker.

Significance:

Evidence of the ancient river that covered this area over 1.6 billion years ago.

Amenities

1 listed

Audio Description

As you walk down this stairway, note that some of the quartzite steps have a rippled surface. These ripple marks were formed when the quartzite was still loose sand in shallow water. Ripple marks like this are found on shores of modern lakes, oceans, rivers, and streams.